Reforming the state: Transformation of public administration in Greece

May 19th 2026 | Electra Palace, Thessaloniki, Greece

A new relationship with the citizens

Greece is entering a decisive phase in the reform and modernisation of its public administration, where efficiency, transparency and digital transformation are becoming central policy priorities. Strengthening institutional capacity and improving service delivery are key conditions for sustainable growth and for reinforcing the country’s position within a rapidly evolving European and international environment.

Within this framework, the Economist Impact event entitled “New Public Administration – A New Relationship with the Citizen” will explore how public administration reform is increasingly shaped by an outward-looking approach that emphasises knowledge exchange, international cooperation and the adoption of best practices. The role of international organisations, as well as structured partnerships with candidate countries and the private sector is essential in supporting effective governance and long-term institutional change.

The main pillars to be addressed during the conference include:

Public administration at the core of national reform priorities
Sharing experiences and common solutions for effective governance
From knowledge transfer to sustainable institutional change
The role of international organisations in supporting public sector reform
Enlargement through partnerships and cooperation with candidate countries and the private sector

In partnership with:

Speakers

Joan Hoey

Greece analyst and Europe consultant, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)

Dimosthenis Anagnostopoulos

Secretary general for information systems and digital governance, Ministry of Digital Governance, Greece

Kjartan Björnsson

Head of unit, Governance and Public Administration, SG REFORM, European Commission (via connection)

Angeliki Bourbouli

Director of the Training Institute, National Centre for Public Administration and Local Government, Greece

Dimitrios Caramitsos-Tziras

Ambassador, director general for international development cooperation and humanitarian aid, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Greece (via connection)

Vivi Charalaboyianni

Deputy minister of the interior, Government of Greece

Corina Crețu

Consul general of Romania in Thessaloniki, Greece, former EU Commissioner

Evi Dramalioti

Secretary general of coordination, Presidency of the Government of Greece

Agenda

19 May Agenda - Reforming the state: Transformation of public administration in Greece

10:00 am

Registration – Welcome coffee

10:30 am

Opening remarks by the conference chair

Joan Hoey Greece analyst and Europe consultant, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)

10:40 am

Welcome Remarks

Kostas Gioulekas Deputy minister of the interior for Macedonia and Thrace, Government of Greece

10:55 am

Greek Public Administration: The road from impediment to an international success story

Fireside chat with the Economist chair:

Vivi Charalaboyianni Deputy minister of the interior, Government of Greece

Joan Hoey Greece analyst and Europe consultant, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)

11:10 am

Public administration at the heart of policy priorities

This panel explores the central role of public administration in shaping and implementing policy priorities. Officials in charge will discuss governance, innovation and the modernization of public services to meet today’s societal and economic challenges.

Giannis Foustanakis Secretary general for public administration, Ministry of the Interior, Greece

Evi Dramalioti Secretary general of coordination, Presidency of the Government of Greece

Pavlina Karasiotou Secretary general for fiscal policy, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Greece

Dimosthenis Anagnostopoulos Secretary general for information systems and digital governance, Ministry of Digital Governance, Greece

Dimitrios Caramitsos-Tziras Ambassador, director general for international development cooperation and humanitarian aid, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Greece (via connection)

Vassilis Exarchos President, National Centre for Public Administration and Local Government, Greece

12:00 pm

Coffee break

12:30 am

Fireside chat with the Economist chair

Athanasios Papaioannou President, Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection of Greece (ASEP)

Joan Hoey Greece analyst and Europe consultant, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)

12:40 pm

Sharing best practices of cutting-edge e-governance

This panel will showcase innovative digital platforms and information systems that are transforming the delivery of public services. Participants will present best practices, highlighting successful digital solutions that enhance efficiency, transparency, interoperability, and user experience across public sector entities.

Eleni Mavrogeorgi Inspector auditor, head of subsector for disciplinary procedure monitoring, National Transparency Authority, Greece

Konstantinos Kaparos Deputy head of the general directorate of public administrative procedures, Ministry of the Interior, Greece

Antonis Psarakis Official of the department for public organizations, Ministry of the Interior, Greece

Angeliki Faitaki Head of MIS Operation Section, Ministry of the Interior, Greece

Spyros Koureas Head of the Directorate of NGO’s and Public Benefit Bodies, Ministry of the Interior, Greece

Angeliki Bourbouli Director of the Training Institute, National Centre for Public Administration and Local Government, Greece

1:30 pm

Fireside chat with the Economist chair

Corina Crețu Consul general of Romania in Thessaloniki, Greece, former EU Commissioner

Joan Hoey Greece analyst and Europe consultant, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)

1:40 pm

Enhancing citizen services through workforce upskilling

The panel will explore how upskilling and continuous workforce development can improve the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of services provided to citizens. Discussions will focus on the skills needed in the modern public sector, including digital capabilities, adaptability, and citizen-centered approaches.

Vasiliki Kakosimou Vice-president, National Centre for Public Administration and Local Government, Greece

Pavel Ivanov Executive director, Institute of Public Administration, Bulgaria

Jelena Mrdak Director, ReSPA - Regional School of Public Administration, Montenegro

Agron Medziti Head, Academy for Training, Ministry of Public Administration, North Macedonia

2:20 pm

From knowledge transfer to sustainable change

The role of international organizations in supporting public administration is crucial. How can knowledge transfer, technical assistance, and international collaboration drive lasting, sustainable improvements in governance and public sector performance? This panel will also explore how collaboration between the public and private sector can drive sustainable transformation in public administration.

Kjartan Björnsson Head of unit, Governance and Public Administration, SG REFORM, European Commission (via connection)